Latin American and Caribbean network on strategic planning and AIDS (REPDES)

The objective of this case study is to document the REDPES (strategic planning network for HIV/AIDS) experience so that it may serve as a reference guide for similar initiatives in other regions and describe the role of REDPES in promoting strategic planning for HIV/AIDS.

This document provides a brief history, describing the main activities and accomplishments, noting principal problems encountered and lessons learned, and discusses the principal collaborations and strategic alliances formed to sustain the network, as well as the monitoring and evaluation mechanisms utilised. It also presents future strategies and challenges for REDPES.

Challenges and lessons learned:

• REDPES has developed a consensus against developing rigid structures with precise limits because the network functions best as a fluid and adaptable mechanism for providing consultancy services to countries that request them, usually through UNAIDS. It is important to note, however, that, in order to function optimally, the network still expects and requires clear timelines for activities and concrete definitions of responsibilities
• members are often unable to achieve all that is proposed at the network meetings. Better coordination, the recently-launched website and the electronic discussion forum will hopefully help members work more efficiently while providing more constant validation of the network’s efforts
• areas of potential conflict arose because of the coexistence in the region of different approaches to strategic planning and the presence of another network that had strategic planning as one of its mandates. This initial tension was quickly resolved through dialogue and the integration of varying perspectives within the REDPES network. Some REDPES members now belong to both networks and the diversity of methodologies used by the two groups has been mutually enriching
• new production systems will be established to ensure that publications are submitted on time to the website. This task should be carried out by someone in charge of editing and obtaining material in electronic form
• it is essential that the facilitators ask themselves if projects in countries with high levels of political and administrative conflict guarantee a real strategic planning process or whether the process will likely be centralised and closed in nature
• outside observers participating in network meetings have occasionally reported that REDPES consultants’ presentation of national cases may not accurately reflect the situation. To correct this problem, REDPES proposed inviting National AIDS Programme managers to attend meetings as observers